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Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of central Sri Lanka lies Pidurangala Rock, a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique and awe-inspiring hiking experience. While neighboring Sigiriya Rock may steal the spotlight with its historical significance and iconic ruins, Pidurangala Rock boasts its own charm and allure.
From panoramic views of the surrounding countryside to ancient Buddhist caves and rock formations, this lesser-known destination promises adventure seekers a memorable journey off the beaten path. Pidurangala Rock should be on every traveler's bucket list in Sri Lanka!
The main reason I chose to climb Pidurangala Rock instead of Sigiriya was the entrance fee of $30 USD. I don't usually cheap out on site-seeing but in this case there were two major factors I needed to consider: 1) It was the beginning of my two-month trip through Sri Lanka and India so I still had a long way to go; 2) Sri Lanka was more expensive than India where I would be spending most of my time.
So, I took the wise decision of saving my rupees for the biggest part of my trip. Climbing Pidurangala Rock only cost about $1 which was significantly less expensive than Sigiriya.
Before getting started, know that there are no shops or facilities on the way up nor near Pidurangala Rock. I suggest buying water and other necessities before reaching the site. You might be approached by men claiming to be guides. Though they can certainly add some value to your climb, a guide really isn't necessary as the path is pretty straightforward.
Pidurangala is a massive rock formation created by volcanic activity. No less important historically than Sigiriya but, yet, often overlooked by travelers. It has been occupied on and off for the past 2500 years by monks who lived in surrounding caves.
Nearing the end of the 5th century A.D., King Kasyapa moved the monks from Sigiriya offering them a much larger and newer temple and monastery. About halfway up the climb to Pidurangala Rock are small prayer cubicles, evidence of the presence of monks thousands of years ago. I particularly liked the reclining Buddha made of bricks, the first I had seen of its kind.
Unlike Sigiriya, which you climb by using smart stairs, Pidurangala is much more rudimentary. The first steps are made of stone which lead to an unmarked dirt path snaking through the forest. The path and rocky steps stop about halfway up (where the Buddha is) and then the climb becomes considerably more difficult. Sometimes you'll need assistance to hoist yourself up, around and in between huge boulders to get to the top of Pidurangala Rock. Make sure to have some good hiking shoes (unlike me)!
Once you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with incredible views including Sigiriya in the near distance. I was surprised to see so much vegetation growing on the rock including cacti. I even spotted iguanas living this high up. Keep an eye out for the plaque encrusted in the rock indicating the exact center of Sri Lanka.
The strenuous climb was definitely worth the effort!
READ MORE ON SRI LANKA:
- The Prettiest Train Rides in Sri Lanka
- Exploring Anuradhapura: The Ancient Sacred City of Sri Lanka
- A Guide to Climbing Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka
TRAVEL RESOURCES:
- Verify visa requirements for Sri Lanka on the official website
- Book flights to Sri Lanka via Skyscanner
- Compare hotel prices in Sri Lanka on Booking.com & Agoda
- Check hostel prices on HostelWorld
- Stay connected using an Airalo E-sim for Sri Lanka
- Search for tours & excursions in Sri Lanka
- Shop for affordable travel insurance with SafetWing
- Save on conversion fees while traveling with Wise
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I’m the founder and creator of Life Untraveled. I quit my corporate job, sold everything I owned and have been traveling full-time since 2018. I hope to inspire you to travel differently on a budget.
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23 Responses
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Meg Cale
I love blog tips like this. Those that offer an alternative to the more popular option. Not only because it’s cheaper but I’ve found that the most popular options are often the most crowded and least enjoyable.
Caroline @ TheTravellingSloth
Definitely great that you included the lack of facilities during the hike and good tip on the closed shoes… Some people underestimate the lack of facilities and take a small bottle of water assuming there are water fountains!
Also, $30 is a ridiculous amount to pay! One of my friends who visited Sri Lanka last year did mention to me that a lot of the attractions had a steep entrance cost (making the country quite expensive to visit). On that note, you did find a great alternative and a lesser hiked place to visit 😉
Sheena Leong
I’m a budget traveller but don’t normally skimp on the big attractions either, but $30 to climb a rock is exorbitant, especially in a developing country. I’m sure the locals paid a fraction of the price. I don’t mind paying more sometimes as a tourist but not to this extent – good on you for taking a stand!
FairDinkumTraveller
As with any hikes, views can be breathtaking. Sigiriya is no exception. Your pictures look fantastic. Thanks for sharing this brilliant trek. Nice post.
Lynne Sarao
I would have totally opted for the $1 hike vs. the $30 hike as well. Looks like it was well worth the cost. Those are some amazing views from the top!
Kallsy Page
This is so beautiful I think that you made a wise choice! Sometimes the more expensive places to tour or visit are simply due to popularity. When my husband and I were in Jamaica we opted out of an excursion to Dunn’s River Falls and instead went to a local spot known as the Blue Hole. It was extremely inexpensive and we had the place to ourselves!
Abby Castro
You actually made a smart choice! The view is still gorgeous and for a much cheaper price?? That is what I dislike about travel sometimes, when popular spots are priced too steeply. Most of the time it turns away tourists. But it is also a great way to explore lesser known destinations that are equally beautiful as the more popular ones.
Abigail of GlobalGirlTravels.com
SydneyFashionHunter
Well even though you paid less it doesn’t look like you missed out at all. Those views are spectacular! I love playing with the burst option as well 😀
The Full-Time Tourist
This seems like an amazing alternative to Sigiriya!! I loved the reclining Buddha, He seems so peaceful. Other than the prices, why were you considering climbing Sigiriya before you found out about the price?
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Sigiriya is an ancient city complex built atop the massive rock formation. There isn’t much to see anymore except for ruins of terraces, a few frescoes on the way up and two huge lion’s paws carved in stone at the entrance. It’s a very popular tourist destination (hence the hefty entrance fee).
Neha Verma
Hats off to you for conquering that rocky path. And true, sometimes the price is so steep, it doesnt really feel worth it. Good for you that you decided to save your money
Christina Pfeiffer
Is Pidirungala as high as Sigiriya? I climbed Sigiriya and thought it was definitely worth the money. The view was fantastic and the cave art near the top is quite amazing.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Hi Christina! Most people said Sigiriya was worth the price but given our extensive travels we decided it wasn’t worth it for us. Pidurangala and Sigiriya are about the same height. 🙂
Jennifer Morrow
The red brick stature is very cool! This looks like a great hiking trail to explore the rocks and get a better view.
Marissa
This post was hard for me to read because I have a trip booked to Sri Lanka for my 30th birthday, and I plan to climb Sigiriya on my actual birthday! Haha. HOWEVER, I think you have convinced me to also climb Pidurangala Rock. First, the climb sounds like so much fun (I love a good rock scramble). Second, strangely, I love the idea of being in the geographical center of Sri Lanka (I’m from the center of the U.S. so maybe that’s why). Third, the views of Sigiriya! Could you tell me how far of a drive it is from Sigiriya? And how long does it take to complete the hike? Thanks for this wonderful and informative post!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Hi Marissa! Climbing both is very doable. Pidurangala is under 2 km from Sigiriya so about 5 minutes by car/tuk-tuk/bus. We had taken the bus (can’t remember how much but it was only a few rupees). You can climb Pidurangala in well under an hour (it took us about 40 minutes). That’s great that you’re going to Sri Lanka – it’s such a wonderful country! Enjoy!
Leah Shoup
I’m so glad that you had a good experience. I hate how so many places that are big tourist destinations overcharge! It’s nice to know that you can have an amazing time picking the cheaper option 🙂
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Unfortunately the sites in Sri Lanka are really expensive so we were overjoyed when we found out about Pidurangala!
Stacey Gilkes
How beautiful! Yes I totally agree about the $30US! I always opt out of certain activities for price esp if it’s a long trip!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Sometimes the price just isn’t justified and there are better options (like this)!